Individuals seeking to change their name or correct printing errors on their U.S. passports should consult the Passport Wizard to determine the appropriate form. If submitting a DS-11, applicants must make an appointment and apply in person. For forms DS-82 or DS-5504, materials should be mailed using Ilyang, a secure courier service.
To exchange a passport due to a name change, applicants need to fill out the application using the Passport Wizard and provide a Social Security number if available. The completed DS-82 or DS-5504 form must be printed single-sided and signed. Applicants should not sign the DS-11 form until they are in front of a consular officer.
Required documents include the most recent passport and evidence of the name change, such as an original or certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A passport photograph is also needed. There are no additional fees for renewing within one year of issuance; however, fees apply if more than one year has passed.
For correcting printing errors, applicants must submit their passport with incorrect data and evidence showing the correct information. No additional fees are required for these corrections.
The U.S. Passport Card is an alternative for entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry but cannot be used for international air travel.
Applications for U.S. passport cards submitted at embassies and consulates are processed in the United States separately from passport books.